NORTHERN Ireland's political leaders have urged people to pray for the Rev Ian Paisley, who remained seriously ill in hospital.

Stormont First Minister and Democratic Unionist leader Peter Robinson and Sinn Fein deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness have both been in contact with the 85-year-old's family as they maintained a bedside vigil.

Former First Minister Mr Paisley continued to be treated in intensive care for suspected heart failure.

He was rushed to the hospital on Sunday, just 10 days after preaching his final sermon as a church minister.

Close family have remained with him at the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, on the outskirts of Belfast.

A spokesman for Mr Robinson and Mr McGuinness said: "They have both been in contact with the Paisley family. They have offered their best wishes to Dr Paisley and his family and call on the community to give prayerful support to Ian and his family.

"The First Minister and the deputy First Minister would appeal for the Paisley family to be given the privacy they deserve and that their wishes are respected."

Mr Paisley, who was elected First Minister in May 2007, is a former moderator and founding member of the Free Presbyterian Church and was MP for north Antrim for almost 40 years.

There had been concerns several years ago about Mr Paisley's health, when he lost weight and looked gaunt.

However, he made a good recovery from heart problems and while his voice showed signs of weakness, some people who attended his farewell sermon at the Martyrs Memorial Church in Belfast on January 27, remarked on how well he appeared for his age.